Friday 12th October 2018

Our main assembly this week was on the theme of ‘What if…?’ and was led by Year 9. Charlotte brought an interesting and clear message in her reading and the close of the assembly saw the most welcome return of Year 8 rock band ‘Lies’ (Louis, Isaac, Evan, Sam). The lads in the band are no strangers to the big stage and regularly perform, often raising money for charity, outside school also. On this occasion every member of the audience loved the lads’ interpretation of the classic Red Hot Chilli Peppers number, ‘Can’t Stop’.

This week, some students in Years 10 and 11 Drama and English classes have enjoyed workshops brought by external specialists on the film / text ‘Lord of the Flies’, and the whole of Year 9 has also had a day off timetable with the ‘Talk the Talk’ team.

This initiative seeks to build upon students’ vital confidence and presentational abilities through the development of oracy skills, which are so essential in projecting a positive impression in all situations. Furthermore, today we have a number of health care specialists in school to address our entire Year 10. This team will focus on such areas as fitness, substance abuse, infections, healthy hearts and more.

It is ‘Shwmae Sutmae’ on Monday 15th October, and our Welsh department is inviting everyone to celebrate our national heritage. The aim of the day is to encourage people to start each conversation in Welsh and encourage them to be more confident in using their home language. Various fun activities and, of course, cake sales, will be held during the day, so please encourage your children to get stuck-in and show how proud they are to be Welsh!

On Thursday 18th October we hold our Year 11 Parents’ Evening, from 4pm, in the Sports Hall. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces again then as we seek to support our students in every possible way during this vital year of education.

The Lower School Fun Run will take place next week also. Year 7, 8 and 9 students will all complete a number of laps of the school field in order to raise funds to support and enhance their education. Year 7 students will run on Thursday (period 1), Year 9 on Thursday (period 2) and Year 8 on Friday (period 1) under the watchful eye of our PE specialists.

Well done to Josh, Year 9, who has been selected for the Football Association of Wales Regional Development Squad. Indeed we are very fortunate to have a number of talented footballers in this year group at present.

Our CAFA (Castell Alun Friends’Association) is busy supporting the school in all kinds of ways. Please do take a moment to look at their webpage on the school website for events and new ideas on how to raise much needed extra funds to support Castell Alun.

For instance, recycling is an excellent way to raise funds whilst also caring for our environment. In conjunction with the School Eco Council, CAFA is participating in a scheme to collect old mobile phones and inkjet printer cartridges. Also, with a deadline of 24th October, if any of you have unwanted clothing which is in good condition, please bring it to reception at school and we will bag it and ensure it gets sent off to a good home.

In addition, why not book a seat on the CAFA trip to the Manchester Christmas Markets on Saturday 10th November? Furthermore, after last year’s great success, CAFA is holding another Festive Fair and Pamper Evening on Friday 7th December from 6.30pm – 9.30pm with a selection of stalls, crafts, clothes, accessories, beauty products and beauty treatments. There will be a fully licensed bar and some fabulous Raffle Prizes also!

And finally, congratulations to Laura, Year 13, who has been selected to play a role in documentary re-enactment footage of the Second World War, to be viewed over coming months at Powys Castle.

Laura is also a most accomplished singer, having performed live gigs at all kinds of venues…and she’s a regular in our own school main assembly too!